Panthers’ Cooper pleads no contest to drunk driving, apologizes

Panthers’ Cooper pleads no contest to drunk driving, apologizes|
KRT SOUTH
By Gary L. Wright
Knight Ridder Newspapers
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Carolina Panthers defensive back Jarrod Cooper apologized to fans Tuesday after pleading no contest to drunk driving in connection with a one-vehicle accident in February.
Mecklenburg District Judge Avril Sisk gave Cooper a 90-day suspended jail sentence and placed him on unsupervised probation for a year. The judge also fined him $800 and ordered him to surrender his driver’s license.
Defense attorney George Laughrun told the judge that Cooper, 24, had a blood-alcohol level of 0.18 percent at the time of the accident. That’s more than twice the legal limit. It’s against the law in North Carolina to drive with a blood-alcohol level of 0.08 percent or more.
The Feb.8 accident occurred at about 1:50 a.m. as Cooper exited I-85 onto Sam Wilson Road. Cooper lost control of his 2001 Ford Explorer, ran off the road and hit the guardrail, the defense lawyer said.
Cooper, who was alone in the vehicle and wasn’t injured, will lose his driver’s license for a year, Laughrun said.
Outside the courtroom following the sentencing, Cooper said he’d made a mistake and learned from the incident.
‘‘I apologize to the fans and the city,’’ he said. ‘‘I was blessed that no one else was involved. I learned a lesson. I feel like I’ve gotten another chance at life. People die when they drink and drive.’’
Cooper, 24, was drafted by the Panthers in the fifth round in 2001 out of Kansas State. As a rookie last year, Cooper led the Panthers with 20 special teams tackles, tied for second highest in team history. During Tuesday’s hearing, Laughrun told the judge that Cooper must now attend the NFL’s two-year substance abuse program. The defense lawyer said his client could be suspended from the Panthers if he violates conditions of the program.
Laughrun said nothing like this had ever happened to Cooper. ‘‘It’s a one-time deal,’’ the defense lawyer said. ‘‘He made a mistake. He’s ready to pay for it.’’

 

I know a lot of people who haven't lost their license from a DUI. I'm suprised Cooper did. Good for him though. I hope he has a ride to and from practice. What the hell was he doin' on Sam Wilson Rd. anyway?

 

Probably helping support the economy like any good american of means. Probably turning down to 85 to freedom to leave her back off.

 

Are all lawyers liars or is it just this one. Reckless driving ?


This was in 2000 , I think. Wonder what the outstanding warrant was for.

Jarrod Cooper, K-State free safety, was released Sunday evening from Riley County Jail after being involved in a motorcycle accident that lead to his arrest after police discovered there was a warrant out for his arrest for failure to appear in court.